Propulsion of the future: Are offshore charging points for e-boats getting closer?

The "Aurelia WINO" is not yet a floating petrol station for electric boats. However, the prototype from Kiel touches on a key question for the future of electric shipping: Where does the electricity come from if there is no harbour with a shore connection within reach? Or: How can the range of electrically powered boats be extended? From autumn 2026, the wave power plant in the North Sea will demonstrate what is possible under real offshore conditions.

More than just a buoy

The Kiel University of Applied Sciences does not yet see "Aurelia WINO" as a charging point for leisure boats, but rather as a technology test for generating electricity from wave energy. The university cites mobile and self-sufficient energy supply at sea as possible applications, for example for research platforms, measuring stations or underwater technology. The FINO 3 research platform itself is also expected to cover at least part of its power requirements with green electricity during the test, instead of relying exclusively on diesel generators.

Why the topic could become relevant for motorboat drivers

With electrically powered boats, the debate often centres on engine power, batteries and the resulting range. In terms of range, energy supply on the move could become important. This is where the Kiel project becomes interesting for electric motorboat drivers. It is not about the next fast charger in the harbour, but about a possible building block for power supply at sea, i.e. where conventional infrastructure is lacking.

Endurance test off Sylt

The trial operation is planned for the FINO 3 research platform in the North Sea, around 80 kilometres west of Sylt. There, "Aurelia WINO" will be tested under real conditions for at least six months. The team led by Prof Dr Christian Keindorf wants to find out how the system behaves under harsh offshore conditions. According to HAW Kiel, the average significant wave heights there in autumn and winter are around two metres. During strong and long-lasting storms, wave heights of up to ten metres can occur.

The way into the North Sea

The prototype was built at German Naval Yards Kiel. It is currently lying in a hall at the shipyard. In the coming months, final functional tests will be carried out and preparations will be made for loading. The base harbour is the Kiel Fjord. The almost 43 metre long "Fortuna Bluebird" will bring the system to its offshore position. The route initially leads through the Kiel Canal. A towing operation is planned near Helgoland. The official authorisations are still being processed at the same time.

Anchored next to FINO 3

At the deployment site, "Aurelia WINO" will be secured with three anchors, each 120 degrees apart. A power cable is also planned on the seabed to connect the prototype to FINO 3. This would allow the platform to cover at least part of its power requirements directly from wave energy during the test.

How "Aurelia WINO" generates electricity

Technically, the system is based on a bar buoy with a floating body that follows the swell and moves vertically up and down. Two linear generators are driven by the relative movement between the floating body and the bar buoy. These convert the mechanical energy directly into electrical energy. The prototype is around twelve metres high and weighs around ten tonnes.

What matters in the test

According to HAW Kiel, the main focus is on the electrical components of the drivetrain and their reliability under harsh environmental conditions. The energy yields in kilowatt hours are also to be recorded during operation. From this, the project team also wants to derive the CO₂ savings potential compared to fossil-fuelled power plants. The project is being funded with around 660,000 euros from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the state's Economy 2021 to 2027 programme. Previously, the transport and installation concept had already been supported with around 140,000 euros.

Charging point for e-boats? Still dreams of the future

So far, HAW Kiel has been explicitly cautious in formulating its prospects. It mentions mobile and self-sufficient energy supply at sea, for example for research platforms, measuring stations or underwater technology. A charging point for pleasure craft or motor yachts is not yet one of the specific applications mentioned.

The idea behind it

Nevertheless, the more far-reaching idea is obvious. If wave power plants of this type prove themselves in continuous operation, permanently anchored systems in remote areas could generate electricity and supply it to maritime infrastructure. Charging points for electrically powered boats would then also be conceivable. At the moment, however, this is nothing more than a prospect.

Videos on the topic:

Christian Keindorf, Professor of Offshore Systems Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Kiel, explains the functional principle

So much energy in waves